Automated endoscope reprocessor connection integrity testing

ABSTRACT

A method detects proper connection of fixtures to one or more channels in an endoscope during a cleaning or disinfection procedure. The endoscope has a first opening into one of its channels. The method includes the steps of placing the endoscope at the first opening in a liquid while leaving a gas within the channel, drawing a vacuum on the gas through a second opening into the channel and thereby drawing some of the liquid into the channel, and detecting for air leaking into the channel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the decontamination arts including thesterilization arts. It finds particular application in conjunction withthe decontamination of medical devices, especially medical devices suchas endoscopes and other devices having channels or lumens that must bedecontaminated after use.

Endoscopes and similar medical devices having channels or lumens formedtherethrough are being used on an ever increasing basis in theperformance of medical procedures. The popularity of these devices hasled to calls for improvements in the decontamination of these devicesbetween use, both in terms of the speed of the decontamination and theeffectiveness of the decontamination.

One popular method for cleaning and disinfection or sterilization ofsuch endoscopes employs an automated endoscope reprocessor which bothwashes and then disinfects or sterilizes the endoscope. Typically such aunit comprises a basin with a selectively opened and closed cover memberto provide access to the basin. Pumps connect to various channelsthrough the endoscope to flow fluid therethrough and an additional pumpflows fluid over the exterior surfaces of the endoscope. Typically, adetergent washing cycle is followed by rinsing and then a sterilizationor disinfection cycle and rinse. Various connections must be made to theendoscope to achieve flow through its channels. If any of theconnections leaks the process may not work properly possibly leaving theendoscope contaminated. Typically, such automated systems check forblockages in the channels, but such testing can be fooled if one of theconnections is not tight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method of detecting proper connection of fixtures to one or morechannels in an endoscope according to the present invention comprisesthe steps of:

placing a first opening into at least one of the one or more channelsinto a liquid;

having a gas within the channel;

drawing a vacuum on the gas through a second opening into the channeland thereby drawing some of the liquid into the channel;

detecting for air leaking into the channel.

Preferably, the step of detecting for air leaking into the at least onechannel comprises monitoring the pressure within the channel. If itfalls below a given amount in a given time period an indication can begiven that the channel is leaking.

When the endoscope has two channels and where one of the fixturesseparates theses channels from each other internally, the methodpreferably further includes the step of individually testing each of thetwo channels so as to detect gas leaking past the fixture whichseparates the two channels from each other. If leakage is detected intesting each of the two channels an indication is given that the fixtureseparating the two channels is leaking.

Preferably, a first one of the fixtures connects to the second openingand this fixture is exposed to atmosphere, and if leakage of air intothe channel is detected an indication is given that first one of thefixtures is leaking. If leakage of air into the channel is detected anindication is given to a user that the channel failed the leakage test.Such indication is preferably provided visually on a screen.

Preferably, the first opening is at a distal end of an endoscope.

In one aspect of the invention, the step of detecting for air leakinginto the at least one channel comprises monitoring for air bubbleswithin the at least one channel. Such a monitor could comprise aturbidity meter or even a visual inspection by the user. Alternatively,the step of detecting for air leaking into the at least one channelcomprises monitoring a flow of the liquid through the at least onechannels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take form in various components and arrangements ofcomponents and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawingsare for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments only, and are notto be construed as limiting the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a decontamination apparatus inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the decontamination apparatusshown in FIG. 1, with only a single decontamination basin shown forclarity; and,

FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of an endoscope suitable for processing in thedecontamination apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a decontamination apparatus for decontaminating endoscopesand other medical devices which include channels or lumens formedtherethrough; FIG. 2 shows the apparatus in block diagram form. Thedecontamination apparatus generally includes a first station 10 and asecond station 12 which are at least substantially similar in allrespects to provide for the decontamination of two different medicaldevices simultaneously or in series. First and second decontaminationbasins 14 a, 14 b receive the contaminated devices. Each basin 14 a, 14b is selectively sealed by a lid 16 a, 16 b, respectively, preferably ina microbe-blocking relationship to prevent the entrance of environmentalmicrobes into the basins 14 a, 14 b during decontamination operations.The lids can include a microbe removal or HEPA air filter formed thereinfor venting.

A control system 20 includes one or more microcontrollers, such as aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), for controlling decontamination anduser interface operations. Although one control system 20 is shownherein as controlling both decontamination stations 10, 12, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that each station 10, 12 can include adedicated control system. A visual display 22 displays decontaminationparameters and machine conditions for an operator and at least oneprinter 24 prints a hard copy output of the decontamination parametersfor a record to be filed or attached to the decontaminated device or itsstorage packaging. The visual display 22 is preferably combined with atouch screen input device. Alternatively, a keypad or the like isprovided for input of decontamination process parameters and for machinecontrol. Other visual gauges 26 such as pressure meters and the likeprovide digital or analog output of decontamination or medical deviceleak testing data.

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates one station 10 of thedecontamination apparatus. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe decontamination station 12 is preferably similar in all respects tothe station 10 illustrated in FIG. 2. However, the station 12 has notbeen shown in FIG. 2 for clarity. Further, the decontamination apparatuscan be provided with a single decontamination station or multiplestations.

The decontamination basin 14 a receives an endoscope 200 (see FIG. 3) orother medical device therein for decontamination. Any internal channelsof the endoscope 200 are connected with flush lines 30. Each flush line30 is connected to an outlet of a pump 32. The pumps 32 are preferablyperistaltic pumps or the like that pump fluid, such as liquid and air,through the flush lines 30 and any internal channels of the medicaldevice. Specifically, the pumps 32 either can draw liquid from the basin14 a through a filtered drain 34 and a first valve S1, or can drawdecontaminated air from an air supply system 36 through a valve S2. Theair supply system 36 includes a pump 38 and a microbe removal air filter40 that filters microbes from an incoming air stream. It is preferablethat each flush line 30 be provided with a dedicated pump 32 to ensureadequate fluid pressure and to facilitate the individual monitoring ofthe fluid pressure in each flush line 30. A pressure switch or sensor 42is in fluid communication with each flush line 30 for sensing excessivepressure in the flush line. Any excessive pressure sensed is indicativeof a partial or complete blockage, e.g., by bodily tissue or driedbodily fluids, in a device channel to which the relevant flush line 30is connected. The isolation of each flush line 30 relative to the othersallows the particular blocked channel to be easily identified andisolated, depending upon which sensor 42 senses excessive pressure.

The basin 14 a is in fluid communication with a water source 50 such asa utility or tap water connection including hot and cold inlets and amixing valve 52 flowing into a break tank 56. A microbe removal filter54, such as a 0.2 μm or smaller absolute pore size filter,decontaminates the incoming water which is delivered into the break tank56 through the air gap to prevent backflow. A pressure type level sensor59 monitors liquid levels within the basin 14 a. An optional waterheater 53 can be provided if an appropriate source of hot water is notavailable.

The condition of the filter 54 can be monitored by directly monitoringthe flow rate of water therethrough or indirectly by monitoring thebasin fill time using a float switch or the like. When the flow ratedrops below a select threshold, this indicates a partially cloggedfilter element that requires replacement.

A basin drain 62 drains liquid from the basin 14 a through an enlargedhelical tube 64 into which elongated portions of the endoscope 200 canbe inserted. The drain 62 is in fluid communication with a recirculationpump 70 and a drain pump 72. The recirculation pump 70 recirculatesliquid from the basin drain 62 to a spray nozzle assembly 60 whichsprays the liquid into the basin 14 a and onto the endoscope 200. Coarseand fine screens 71 and 73, respectively, filter out particles in therecirculating fluid. The drain pump 72 pumps liquid from the basin drain62 to a utility drain 74. A level sensor 76 monitors the flow of liquidfrom the pump 72 to the utility drain 74. The pumps 70 and 72 can besimultaneously operated such that liquid is sprayed into the basin 14 awhile it is being drained to encourage the flow of residue out of thebasin and off of the device. Of course, a single pump and a valveassembly could replace the dual pumps 70, 72.

An inline heater 80, with temperature sensors 82, downstream of therecirculation pump 70 heats the liquid to optimum temperatures forcleaning and disinfection. A pressure switch or sensor 84 measurespressure downstream of the circulation pump 70.

Detergent solution 86 is metered into the flow upstream of thecirculation pump 70 via a metering pump 88. A float switch 90 indicatesthe level of detergent available. Typically, only a small amount ofdisinfectant 92 is required. To more accurately meter this, a dispensingpump 94 fills a pre-chamber 96 under control of a hi/low level switch 98and of course the control system 20. A metering pump 100 meters aprecise quantity of disinfectant as needed.

Endoscopes and other reusable medical devices often include a flexibleouter housing or sheath surrounding the individual tubular members andthe like that form the interior channels and other parts of the device.This housing defines a closed interior space, which is isolated frompatient tissues and fluids during medical procedures. It is importantthat the sheath be maintained intact, without cuts or other holes thatwould allow contamination of the interior space beneath the sheath.Therefore, the decontamination apparatus includes means for testing theintegrity of such as sheath.

An air pump, either the pump 38 or another pump 110, pressurizes theinterior space defined by the sheath of the device through a conduit 112and a valve S5. Preferably, a HEPA or other microbe-removing filter 113removes microbes from the pressurizing air. An overpressure switch 114prevents accidental over pressurization of the sheath. Upon fullpressurization, the valve S5 is closed and a pressure sensor 116 looksfor a drop in pressure in the conduit 112 which would indicate theescape of air through the sheath. A valve S6 selectively vents theconduit 112 and the sheath through an optional filter 118 when thetesting procedure is complete. An air buffer 120 smoothes out pulsationof pressure from the air pump 110.

Preferably, each station 10 and 12 each contain a drip basin 130 andspill sensor 132 to alert the operator to potential leaks.

An alcohol supply 134 controlled by a valve S3 can supply alcohol to thechannel pumps 32 after rinsing steps to assist in removing water fromthe endoscope channels.

Flow rates in the supply lines 30 can be monitored via the channel pumps32 and the pressure sensors 42. The channels pumps 32 are peristalticpumps which supply a constant flow. If one of the pressure sensors 42detects too high a pressure the associated pump 32 cycles off. The flowrate of the pump 32 and its percentage on time provide a reasonableindication of the flow rate in an associated line 30. These flow ratesare monitored during the process to check for blockages in any of theendoscope channels. Alternatively, the decay in the pressure from thetime the pump 32 cycles off can also be used to estimate the flow rate,with faster decay rates being associated with higher flow rates.

A more accurate measurement of flow rate in an individual channel may bedesirable to detect more subtle blockages. A metering tube 136 having aplurality of level indicating sensors 138 fluidly connects to the inputsof the channel pumps 32. One preferred sensor arrangement provides areference connection at a low point in the metering tube and a pluralityof sensors 138 arranged vertically thereabove. By passing a current fromthe reference point through the fluid to the sensors 138 it can bedetermined which sensors 138 are immersed and therefore determine thelevel within the metering tube 136. Other level sensing techniques canbe applied here. By shutting valve S1 and opening a vent valve S7 thechannel pumps 32 draw exclusively from the metering tube. The amount offluid being drawn can be very accurately determined based upon thesensors 138. By running each channel pump in isolation the flowtherethrough can be accurately determined based upon the time and thevolume of fluid emptied from the metering tube.

In addition to the input and output devices described above, all of theelectrical and electromechanical devices shown are operatively connectedto and controlled by the control system 20. Specifically, and withoutlimitation, the switches and sensors 42, 59, 76, 84, 90, 98, 114, 116,132 and 136 provide input I to the microcontroller 28 which controls thedecontamination and other machine operations in accordance therewith.For example, the microcontroller 28 includes outputs O that areoperatively connected to the pumps 32, 38, 70, 72, 88, 94, 100, 110, thevalves S1-S7, and the heater 80 to control these devices for effectivedecontamination and other operations.

Turning also to FIG. 3, an endoscope 200 has a head part 202, in whichopenings 204 and 206 are formed, and in which, during normal use of theendoscope 200, an air/water valve and a suction valve are arranged. Aflexible insertion tube 208 is attached to the head part 202, in whichtube a combined air/water channel 210 and a combined suction/biopsychannel 212 are accommodated.

A separate air channel 213 and water channel 214, which at the locationof a joining point 216 merge into the air/water channel 210, arearranged in the head part 202. Furthermore, a separate suction channel217 and biopsy channel 218, which at the location of the joining point220 merge into the suction/biopsy channel 212, are accommodated in thehead part 202.

In the head part 202, the air channel 213 and the water channel 214 openinto the opening 204 for the air/water valve. The suction channel 217opens into the opening 206 for the suction valve. Furthermore, aflexible feed hose 222 connects to the head part 202 and accommodateschannels 213′, 214′ and 217′ which via the openings 204 and 206, areconnected to the air channel 213, the water channel 214 and the suctionchannel 217, respectively. In practice, the feed hose 222 is alsoreferred to as the light-conductor casing.

The mutually connecting channels 213 and 213′, 214 and 214′, 217 and217′ will be referred to below overall as the air channel 213, the waterchannel 214 and the suction channel 217.

A connection 226 for the air channel 213, connections 228 and 228 a forthe water channel 214 and a connection 230 for the suction channel 217are arranged on the end section 224 (also referred to as the lightconductor connector) of the flexible hose 222. When the connection 226is in use, connection 228 a is closed off. A connection 232 for thebiopsy channel 218 is arranged on the head part 202.

A channel separator 240 is shown inserted into the openings 204 and 206.It comprises a body 242, and plug members 244 and 246 which occluderespectively openings 204 and 206. A coaxial insert 248 on the plugmember 244 extends inwardly of the opening 204 and terminates in anannular flange 250 which occludes a portion of the opening 204 toseparate channel 213 from channel 214. By connecting the lines 30 to theopenings 226, 228, 228 a, 230 and 232, liquid for cleaning anddisinfection can be flowed through the endoscope channels 213, 214, 217and 218 and out of a distal tip 252 of the endoscope 200 via channels210 and 212. The channel separator 240 ensures the such liquid flows allthe way through the endoscope 200 without leaking out of openings 204and 206 and isolates channels 213 and 214 from each other so that eachhas its own independent flow path. One of skill in the art willappreciate that various endoscopes having differing arrangements ofchannels and openings will likely require modifications in the channelseparator 240 to accommodate such differences while occluding ports inthe head 202 and keeping channels separated from each other so that eachchannel can be flushed independently of the other channels. Otherwise ablockage in one channel might merely redirect flow to a connectedunblocked channel.

A leakage port 254 on the end section 224 leads into an interior portion256 of the endoscope 200 and is used to check for the physical integritythereof, namely to ensure that no leakage has formed between any of thechannels and the interior 256 or from the exterior to the interior 256.

The cleaning and sterilization cycle in detail comprises the followingsteps.

Step 1. Open the Lid

Pressing a foot pedal (not shown) opens the basin lid 16 a. There is aseparate foot pedal for each side. If pressure is removed from the footpedal, the lid motion stops.

Step 2. Position and Connect the Endoscope

The insertion tube 208 of the endoscope 200 is inserted into the helicalcirculation tube 64. The end section 224 and head section 202 of theendoscope 200 are situated within the basin 14 a, with the feed hose 222coiled within the basin 14 a with as wide a diameter as possible.

The flush lines 30, preferably color-coded, are attached, one apiece, tothe endoscope openings 226, 228, 228 a, 230 and 232. The air line 112 isalso connected to the connector 254. A guide located on the station 10provides a reference for the color-coded connections.

Step 3. Identify the User, Endoscope, and Specialist to the System

Depending on the customer-selectable configuration, the control system20 may prompt for user code, patient ID, endoscope code, and/orspecialist code. This information may be entered manually (through thetouch screen) or automatically such as by using an attached barcode wand(not shown).

Step 4. Close the Basin Lid

Closing the lid 16 a preferably requires the user to press a hardwarebutton and a touch-screen 22 button simultaneously (not shown) toprovide a fail-safe mechanism for preventing the user's hands from beingcaught or pinched by the closing basin lid 16 a. If either the hardwarebutton or software button is released while the lid 16 a is in theprocess of closing the motion stops.

Step 5. Start Program

The user presses a touch-screen 22 button to begin thewashing/disinfection process.

Step 6. Pressurize the Endoscope Body and Measure the Leak Rate

The air pump is started and pressure within the endoscope body ismonitored. When pressure reaches 250 mbar, the pump is stopped, and thepressure is allowed to stabilize for 6 seconds. If pressure has notreached 250 mbar in 45 seconds the program is stopped and the user isnotified of the leak. If pressure drops to less than 100 mbar during the6-second stabilization period, the program is stopped and the user isnotified of the condition.

Once the pressure has stabilized, the pressure drop is monitored overthe course of 60 seconds. If pressure drops more than 10 mbar within 60seconds, the program is stopped and the user is notified of thecondition. If the pressure drop is less than 10 mbar in 60 seconds, thesystem continues with the next step. A slight positive pressure is heldwithin the endoscope body during the rest of the process to preventfluids from leaking in.

Step 7. Check Connections

A second leak test checks the adequacy of connection to the variousports 226, 228, 228 a, 230, 232 and the proper placement of the channelseparator 240. A quantity of water is admitted to the basin 14 a so asto submerge the distal end of the endoscope in the helical tube 64.Valve S1 is closed and valve S7 opened and the pumps 32 are run inreverse to draw a vacuum and to ultimately draw liquid into theendoscope channels 210 and 212. The pressure sensors 42 are monitored tomake sure that the pressure in any one channel does not drop by morethan a predetermined amount in a given time frame. If it does, it likelyindicates that one of the connections was not made correctly and air isleaking into the channel. In any event, in the presence of anunacceptable pressure drop the control system 20 will cancel the cycleand indicate a likely faulty connection, preferably with an indicationof which channel failed.

Pre-Rinse

The purpose of this step is to flush water through the channels toremove waste material prior to washing and disinfecting the endoscope200.

Step 8. Fill Basin

The basin 14 a is filled with filtered water and the water level isdetected by the pressure sensor 59 below the basin 14 a.

Step 9. Pump Water Through Channels

The water is pumped via the pumps 32 through the interior of thechannels 213, 214, 217, 218, 210 and 212 directly to the drain 74. Thiswater is not recirculated around the exterior surfaces of the endoscope200 during this stage.

Step 10. Drain

As the water is being pumped through the channels, the drain pump 72 isactivated to ensure that the basin 14 a is also emptied. The drain pump72 will be turned off when the drain switch 76 detects that the drainprocess is complete.

Step 11. Blow Air Through Channels

During the drain process sterile air is blown via the air pump 38through all endoscope channels simultaneously to minimize potentialcarryover.

Wash

Step 12. Fill Basin

The basin 14 a is filled with warm water (35° C.). Water temperature iscontrolled by controlling the mix of heated and unheated water. Thewater level is detected by the pressure sensor 59.

Step 13. Add Detergent

The system adds enzymatic detergent to the water circulating in thesystem by means of the peristaltic metering pump 88. The volume iscontrolled by controlling the delivery time, pump speed, and innerdiameter of the peristaltic pump tubing.

Step 14. Circulate Wash Solution

The detergent solution is actively pumped throughout the internalchannels and over the surface of the endoscope 200 for a predeterminedtime period, typically of from one to five minutes, preferably aboutthree minutes, by the channel pumps 32 and the external circulation pump70. The inline heater 80 keeps the temperature at about 35° C.

Step 15. Start Block Test

After the detergent solution has been circulating for a couple ofminutes, the flow rate through the channels is measured. If the flowrate through any channel is less than a predetermined rate for thatchannel, the channel is identified as blocked, the program is stopped,and the user is notified of the condition. The peristaltic pumps 32 arerun at their predetermined flow rates and cycle off in the presence ofunacceptably high pressure readings at the associated pressure sensor42. If a channel is blocked the predetermined flow rate will trigger thepressure sensor 42 indicating the inability to adequately pass this flowrate. As the pumps 32 are peristaltic, their operating flow ratecombined with the percentage of time they are cycled off due to pressurewill provide the actual flow rate. The flow rate can also be estimatedbased upon the decay of the pressure from the time the pump 32 cyclesoff.

Step 16. Drain

The drain pump 72 is activated to remove the detergent solution from thebasin 14 a and the channels. The drain pump 72 turns off when the drainlevel sensor 76 indicates that drainage is complete.

Step 17.

Blow Air

During the drain process sterile air is blown through all endoscopechannels simultaneously to minimize potential carryover.

Rinse

Step 18. Fill Basin

The basin 14 a is filled with warm water (35° C.). Water temperature iscontrolled by controlling the mix of heated and unheated water. Thewater level is detected by the pressure sensor 59.

Step 19. Rinse

The rinse water is circulated within the endoscope channels (via thechannel pumps 32) and over the exterior of the endoscope 200 (via thecirculation pump 70 and the sprinkler arm 60) for 1 minute.

Step 20. Continue Block Test

As rinse water is pumped through the channels, the flow rate through thechannels is measured and if it falls below the predetermined rate forany given channel, the channel is identified as blocked, the program isstopped, and the user is notified of the condition.

Step 21. Drain

The drain pump is activated to remove the rinse water from the basin andthe channels.

Step 22. Blow Air

During the drain process sterile air is blown through all endoscopechannels simultaneously to minimize potential carryover.

Step 23. Repeat Rinse

Steps 18 through 22 are repeated to ensure maximum rinsing of enzymaticdetergent solution from the surfaces of the endoscope and the basin.

Disinfect

Step 24. Fill Basin

The basin 14 a is filled with very warm water (53° C.). Watertemperature is controlled by controlling the mix of heated and unheatedwater. The water level is detected by the pressure sensor 59. During thefilling process, the channel pumps 32 are off in order to ensure thatthe disinfectant in the basin is at the in-use concentration prior tocirculating through the channels.

Step 25. Add Disinfectant

A measured volume of disinfectant 92, preferably CIDEX OPAorthophalaldehyde concentrate solution, available from AdvancedSterilization Products division Ethicon, Inc., Irvine, Calif., is drawnfrom the disinfectant metering tube 96 and delivered into the water inthe basin 14 a via the metering pump 100. The disinfectant volume iscontrolled by the positioning of the fill sensor 98 relative to thebottom of the dispensing tube. The metering tube 96 is filled until theupper level switch detects liquid. Disinfectant 92 is drawn from themetering tube 96 until the level of the disinfectant in the meteringtube is just below the tip of the dispensing tube. After the necessaryvolume is dispensed, the metering tube 96 is refilled from the bottle ofdisinfectant 92. Disinfectant is not added until the basin is filled, sothat in case of a water supply problem, concentrated disinfectant is notleft on the endoscope with no water to rinse it. While the disinfectantis being added, the channel pumps 32 are off in order to insure that thedisinfectant in the basin is at the in-use concentration prior tocirculating through the channels.

Step 26. Disinfect

The in-use disinfectant solution is actively pumped throughout theinternal channels and over the surface of the endoscope, ideally for aminimum of 5 minutes, by the channel pumps and the external circulationpump. The temperature is controlled by the in-line heater 80 to about52.5° C.

Step 27. Flow Check

During the disinfection process, flow through each endoscope channel isverified by timing the delivering a measured quantity of solutionthrough the channel. Valve S1 is shut, and valve S7 opened, and in turneach channel pump 32 delivers a predetermined volume to its associatedchannel from the metering tube 136. This volume and the time it takes todeliver provides a very accurate flow rate through the channel.Anomalies in the flow rate from what is expected for a channel of thatdiameter and length are flagged by the control system 20 and the processstopped.

Step 28. Continue Block Test

As disinfectant in-use solution is pumped through the channels, the flowrate through the channels is also measured as in Step 15.

Step 29. Drain

The drain pump 72 is activated to remove the disinfectant solution fromthe basin and the channels.

Step 30. Blow Air

During the drain process sterile air is blown through all endoscopechannels simultaneously to minimize potential carryover.

Final Rinse

Step 31. Fill Basin

The basin is filled with sterile warm water (45° C.) that has beenpassed through a 0.2μ filter.

Step 32. Rinse

The rinse water is circulated within the endoscope channels (via thechannel pumps 32) and over the exterior of the endoscope (via thecirculation pump 70 and the sprinkler arm 60) for 1 minute.

Step 33. Continue Block Test

As rinse water is pumped through the channels, the flow rate through thechannels is measured as in Step 15.

Step 34. Drain

The drain pump 72 is activated to remove the rinse water from the basinand the channels.

Step 35. Blow Air

During the drain process sterile air is blown through all endoscopechannels simultaneously to minimize potential carryover.

Step 36. Repeat Rinse

Steps 31 through 35 are repeated two more times (a total of 3post-disinfection rinses) to ensure maximum reduction of disinfectantresiduals from the endoscope 200 and surfaces of the reprocessor.

Final Leak Test

Step 37. Pressurize the Endoscope Body and Measure Leak Rate

Repeat Step 6.

Step 38. Indicate Program Completion

The successful completion of the program is indicated on the touchscreen.

Step 39. De-Pressurize the Endoscope

From the time of program completion to the time at which the lid isopened, pressure within the endoscope body is normalized to atmosphericpressure by opening the vent valve S5 for 10 seconds every minute.

Step 40. Identify the User

Depending on customer-selected configuration, the system will preventthe lid from being opened until a valid user identification code isentered.

Step 41. Store Program Information

Information about the completed program, including the user ID,endoscope ID, specialist ID, and patient ID are stored along with thesensor data obtained throughout the program.

Step 42. Print Program Record

If a printer is connected to the system, and if requested by the user, arecord of the disinfection program will be printed.

Step 43. Remove the Endoscope

Once a valid user identification code has been entered, the lid may beopened (using the foot pedal as in step 1, above). The endoscope is thendisconnected from the flush lines 30 and removed from the basin 14 a.The lid can then be closed using both the hardware and software buttonsas described in step 4, above.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. It is intended that the invention be construed as includingall such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within thescope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

1. A method of detecting proper connection of fixtures to one or morechannels in an endoscope, the endoscope having a first opening into atleast one of the channels, the method comprising the steps of: placingthe endoscope at the first opening into a liquid; having a gas withinthe at least one channel; drawing a vacuum on the gas through a secondopening into the at least one channel and thereby drawing some of theliquid into the at least one channel; detecting for air leaking into theat least one channel.
 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the stepof detecting for air leaking into the at least one channel comprisesmonitoring the pressure within the at least one channel.
 3. A methodaccording to claim 2 wherein the pressure is monitored and if it fallsbelow a given amount in a given time period an indication is given thatthe at least one channel is leaking.
 4. A method according to claim 1wherein the endoscope has at least two channels and where one of thefixtures separates two of the channels from each other and furthercomprising the step of individually testing each of the two channelswhereby to detect gas leaking past the fixture which separates the twochannels from each other.
 5. A method according to claim 4 wherein ifleakage is detected in testing each of the two channels an indication isgiven that the fixture separating the two channels is leaking.
 6. Amethod according to claim 1 wherein a first one of the fixtures connectsto the second opening and this fixture is exposed to atmosphere, and ifleakage of air into the at least one channel is detected an indicationis given that first one of the fixtures is leaking.
 7. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein if leakage of air into the at least onechannel is detected an indication is given to a user that the at leastone channel failed the leakage test.
 8. A method according to claim 7wherein the indication is provided visually on a screen.
 9. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the first opening is at a distal end of anendoscope.
 10. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step ofdetecting for air leaking into the at least one channel comprisesmonitoring for air bubbles within the at least one channel.
 11. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the step of detecting for air leaking intothe at least one channel comprises monitoring a flow of the liquidthrough the at least one channels.